We can't survive without air. The progress brought about by industrialization and development has caused our air quality to deteriorate. Polluted air has been found to be a major health hazard.

 

Water is another important element for survival. Modern farming and industrialization have caused the decline of our water quality. Installing a water filter does not remove all of the pollutants because of the difficulty in replacing and cleaning the water filter elements regularly. Therefore, we are likely to take in polluted water that may affect our health, when we have our meals.

 

Improper diet is one of the greatest health hazards confronting the human race today. We all like to eat delicious food regardless of whether or not it is balanced or nutritious. Even if we eat a balanced diet, we may not be healthy because of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides employed in modern farming. The crops may not provide balanced nutrition and the residues of pesticides may be harmful to our health.

 

Stress has been described as a silent killer. Stress created by work, relationships, news reports, and other factors can affect our mood and adversely affect our health.

 

The invention of antibiotics and chemical drugs has helped to control disease and relieve the suffering of patients, especially those in critical situations. However, despite the advancement of medical science, diseases are still on the rise. Abuse of and overdependence on antibiotics and chemical drugs have caused the mutation of powerful and dangerous new strains of bacteria and viruses.

 

For many of us, health is like a tightrope; stretched to the limit. With all of the things that are so important to us, like a happy family, a promising career, wealth, or social status, we often end up balancing our priorities like this top. At any time, our "rope" could break, causing the top to come crashing down.